More than 1,500 people took part in a vigil in honor of two teenagers who were killed in an electric bike accident in Ely on Monday.

Hundreds of balloons, along with fireworks and flares, are released on Friday to remember Harvey Evans, 15, and 16-year-old Keris SullivanAnd who died moments after being pursued by the police.

Many of them wore T-shirts showing the faces of the victims at the gathering on Snowden Road where they died.

There was a moment’s silence before the crowd erupted into applause.

It is understood that the police were asked not to attend the vigil.

CCTV footage of South Wales Police following the boys has gone viral on social media, leading to violent clashes and chaos in Cardiff City.

Speaking at the meeting, one of Harvey’s uncles said: “We’ve all been smeared with the same brush here, especially considering what happened on Monday.

“But this is the real Ellie. Look how many people have come to pay their respects.

“The only difference between the two and today is that the police are not here.”

John O’Driscoll, Harvey’s great uncle, said: “What happened on Monday with the riots, that was wrong, the boys were wrong.

“But that was out of frustration.”

Mr. O’Driscoll added, “Harvey was my great nephew, we have a big family and we’re all close.”

“They were just lads. Everyone rides bikes and scooters here. Yes, we find them annoying but that’s exactly what they do.”

“But as soon as those coppers saw that they had no helmets, they had to stop.”

Nine people were arrested following the unrest, which left 15 policemen injured.

South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Alun Michael initially denied allegations of police prosecution.

However, the force has since confirmed that the boys were being pursued by a police van.

Officers say none of their cars were on Snowden’s road when the accident occurred.

The force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which has launched an investigation into what happened and is appealing witnesses.

The police oversight body said it was examining the “nature of police interaction” with teenagers and the “appropriateness” of officers’ decisions and actions.

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IOPC director David Ford said: “Our investigators conducted investigations and secured evidence in the immediate vicinity of where the events occurred, speaking to local residents, handing out leaflets and gathering as much information as possible.

“We are working hard to determine the exact circumstances of what happened in the lead-up to the collision.

“I would like to reassure everyone in the community that our work will be inclusive, impartial and independent of the police.”

Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford said his thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims, adding that the people of Ely have suffered “collective trauma”.

Authorities including Cardiff Council agreed to set up City community plan Mr. Drakeford added to respond to the long-term needs of the population.